Fresh clashes take place between armed groups in Libya

Fresh clashes took place in Tripoli, Libya, between two groups carrying arms, marking a renewed wave of violence on May 14th following a ceasefire, according to France 24 and AFP.

Fighting erupted between the Radaa Force and the 444 Brigade in major areas, including the capital’s port. A security official confirmed that both groups used light, medium, and heavy weapons across residential districts.

Despite earlier claims that the conflict had ended, hostilities continued. Fighting later eased, with some bakeries reopening, although schools remained closed. The Libyan Red Crescent recovered a dead body from a major Tripoli street. Authorities, however, released no official casualty figures. Additionally, this comes after it emerged that Libya was having talks with the US to release billions of dollars worth of funds, Middle East Eye reported on May 8th.

Previously, heavy arms fire and explosions killed at least six people. The violence triggered fears of wider instability in a country still divided since the 2011 uprising. Libya is divided between an UN-recognised government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival eastern administration run by the Haftar family.

The 444 Brigade runs areas in southern Tripoli and supports Dbeibah. Meanwhile, Radaa holds parts of eastern Tripoli. Clashes escalated as Radaa brought in reinforcements. Fighting stretched into southern and western Tripoli.

Over 500 people demonstrated in Souq el-Joumaa, a Radaa bastion, condemning Dbeibah’s government and opposing the 444 Brigade’s proposed dissolution. Reports claimed Abdelghani al-Kikli, who leads the Support and Stability Apparatus which runs Abu Salim south district, was killed at a 444 Brigade-run site.

Meanwhile, forces from Zawiya entered Tripoli in support of Radaa. “More Misrata brigades may continue to join Dbeibah’s side,” said Libya analyst Jalel Harchaoui. He warned of a “territorial reshuffle” as factions push deeper into the capital.

Turkey urged an immediate ceasefire. The United Nations called for safe corridors to evacuate trapped civilians, Al Jazeera reported on May 14th. Despite ceasefire announcements, gunfire continued in western Tripoli, suggesting the violence remains far from over.

France 24 and AFP, Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye